Divya Mereddy

Divya Mereddy, Ashwin Tudur Sadashiva, Marcos Quinones-Grueiro et al.

Human-object interaction (HOI) recognition is critical for automatically analyzing student behavior in complex educational environments. Although state-of-the-art (SOTA) HOI detectors perform well on benchmark datasets, their performance often degrades when deployed in real-world training environments due to domain-specific objects, occlusions, and complex visual conditions. In this paper, we introduce a diagnosis-driven framework that integrates a triplet-level HOI error taxonomy with error-factor attribution analysis for real-world educational video data. We study this problem in the context of Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) mixed-reality medical training. Based on an analysis of HOI failure modes and their causes, we develop a diagnosis-informed refinement strategy for adapting pretrained HOI models to the target domain. Experiments on the CCATT dataset show that this approach improves the macro-F1 score of a pretrained CDN model from 48.6 to 90.2 through targeted refinement guided by diagnosed error factors. These results highlight the value of detailed diagnostic analysis for informing targeted adaptation of HOI models in real-world educational environments.

Clayton Cohn, Surya Rayala, Namrata Srivastava et al.

Large language models (LLMs) present new opportunities for creating pedagogical agents that engage in meaningful dialogue to support student learning. However, the current use of LLM systems like ChatGPT in classrooms often lacks the solid theoretical foundation found in earlier intelligent tutoring systems. To bridge this gap, we propose a framework that combines Evidence-Centered Design with Social Cognitive Theory for adaptive scaffolding in LLM-based agents focused on STEM+C learning. We illustrate this framework with Inquizzitor, an LLM-based formative assessment agent that integrates human-AI hybrid intelligence and provides feedback grounded in cognitive science principles. Our findings show that Inquizzitor delivers high-quality assessment and interaction aligned with core learning theories, offering teachers effective guidance that students value. This research underscores the potential for theory-driven LLM integration in education, highlighting the ability of these systems to provide adaptive and principled instruction.

Divya Mereddy, Marcos Quinones-Grueiro, Ashwin T S et al.

This study examines how Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) members are trained using mixed-reality simulations that replicate the high-pressure conditions of aeromedical evacuation. Each team - a physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist - must stabilize severely injured soldiers by managing ventilators, IV pumps, and suction devices during flight. Proficient performance requires clinical expertise and cognitive skills, such as situational awareness, rapid decision-making, effective communication, and coordinated task management, all of which must be maintained under stress. Recent advances in simulation and multimodal data analytics enable more objective and comprehensive performance evaluation. In contrast, traditional instructor-led assessments are subjective and may overlook critical events, thereby limiting generalizability and consistency. However, AI-based automated and more objective evaluation metrics still demand human input to train the AI algorithms to assess complex team dynamics in the presence of environmental noise and the need for accurate re-identification in multi-person tracking. To address these challenges, we introduce a systematic, data-driven assessment framework that combines Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) with Multimodal Learning Analytics (MMLA). We have developed a domain-specific CTA model for CCATT training and a vision-based action recognition pipeline using a fine-tuned Human-Object Interaction model, the Cascade Disentangling Network (CDN), to detect and track trainee-equipment interactions over time. These interactions automatically yield performance indicators (e.g., reaction time, task duration), which are mapped onto a hierarchical CTA model tailored to CCATT operations, enabling interpretable, domain-relevant performance evaluations.